National Award recognises healthy start

National Award recognises healthy start at Kidsfirst Northcote

It’s official – Kidsfirst Kindergartens Northcote are getting their children off to the healthiest start in life – as the first early childhood centre in New Zealand to gain a prestigious Heart Foundation Award.

The kindergarten has been awarded the country’s first Pā Harakeke – the top Healthy Heart Award in the Heart Foundation’s newly introduced tier system for early childhood centres.

To scoop the title, the kindergarten amped up their existing programme promoting healthy eating and active movement to the children and the kindergarten community. It’s a programme that’s already seen Kidsfirst Northcote awarded a Healthy Heart Award each year since 2002.

The children have a solid understanding of vegetables and their uses through tending the kindergarten’s impressive vegetable garden, created thanks to the Canterbury District Health Board’s Nutrition Fund and the Christchurch City Council.

The vegetables are harvested for use in weekly cooking experiences with the children, and recipes shared with families. Some local families have been so inspired they've started their own gardens at home, helped out with seedlings from the kindergarten garden.

Kidsfirst Northcote also has lunchbox guidelines to promote healthy eating, with foods like chips and chocolate off the menu in favour of healthier options. Information is also shared with families on nutritional aspects such as portion sizing, and how to decipher nutrition labels on foods.

In fact, nutrition comes into all aspects of kindergarten life, with games and activities incorporating fruits and vegetables, and healthy food options available at events such as fundraisers and celebrations.

Head Teacher Leigh Downie says the children are often inclined to try a new fruit or vegetable when they’ve grown and harvested it themselves, and see their peers giving it a go.

“Through the holistic approach we have to healthy living, they also understand the importance of eating good food, and are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they are offered them at home, and even encourage Mum and Dad to cook with these ingredients.”

And when it comes to physical activity, the children don’t sit still long, with activities including music and movement, challenge courses, running, climbing and pilates.

Teachers at Kidsfirst Northcote are committed to professional development in food and nutrition and active movement, attending courses and workshops to further enhance the programme offered at the kindergarten.

Leigh says they’re proud of the Heart Foundation Award, and see the rewards in the impact the programme has on the children and their families.

“We’re raising awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and helping the children and their families make good decisions about eating and physical exercise so they can live more healthily, and sustainably.”

"It’s so crucial to develop these good habits at a young age, with the hope that the children will keep these principles as part of their everyday life long after they leave the kindergarten, and become ambassadors for healthy living.”

ENDS

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